Jazz Chisholm comments just put ball in Yankees' court for contract extension

It takes a certain type of personality to not only thrive, but also relish the bright spotlight the New York Yankees provide. For all of those who have succeeded under the pressure of the pinstripes, there are many more who crumbled under the weight of unrelenting championship expectations and intense scrutiny.

That's why when a player openly admits that he wants to be here and has performed in the Bronx, the club should give some serious consideration to making sure that he never walks out the door.

That's what's going on now with Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., who has made it clear that he wants to stay in New York long-term.

Jazz Chisholm Jr., Yankees need to start discussing contract extension

Speaking with Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News, Chisholm Jr. couldn't help but gush about being part of the Yankees organization and playing in New York.

"I feel like a lot of people in New York are just like me, and I feel like I bond with them a lot, especially the kids from the projects. I just feel like it uplifts my spirits," Chisholm Jr. said. He'd add, “The impact I’ve had in New York so far, I definitely want to stay in New York.”

That's a pretty clear declaration that the two-time All-Star doesn't want to leave when he hits free agency after next season, and likely would prefer to have his future settled as soon as possible.

Chisholm Jr. has never been shy to speak his mind, nor has he been accused of being to modest. The former Miami Marlin declared in spring training, “I think it’s gonna be career numbers — and not even career numbers like last year — I’m talking about substantially better."

Career numbers it has been ... and then some. By virtue of his 30th blast of the season this past Friday against the Orioles, Chisholm Jr. became just the third Yankee in franchise history to join the 30-30 club. The other two to accomplish the feat were Alfonso Soriano back in 2002 and Bobby Bonds in 1975.

With a career 102 OPS+ over parts of five seasons in Miami, the Bahamian native has taken his offensive game to another level with a 127 OPS+ during the last year and a half in pinstripes.

Even for all of his pizzazz, Jazz has also been the epitome of a team player, bouncing between second base and third base as the team has needed, playing stellar defense at the former and passable defense at the latter as he learned the hot corner on the fly.

And the end of the day, dollars and cents rule the world, but Chisholm's position is abundantly clear. Now the ball is firmly in Brian Cashman's court.